Chapter 7: Characterization of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Check Access

This chapter is focused on different methods and experimental techniques intended to characterize nanoparticles designed for magnetic hyperthermia, a novel cancer therapy. Special attention is paid to the measurement of the specific absorption rate of magnetic nanoparticles, a key parameter that describes their ability to absorb energy from an externally applied magnetic field and then act as heat sources. This chapter starts by describing briefly the fundamentals of magnetic hyperthermia therapy and the role that magnetic nanoparticles and their specific absorptions play. Afterwards, the working principles of alternating (AC) magnetic field generators necessary to perform magnetic hyperthermia experiments are explained. Lastly, the two main methods, such as calorimetry and AC magnetometry, to characterize magnetic nanoparticles and measure their specific absorption are described and reviewed.